Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Ken Hassett

Each year, several hundred thousand adult Florida residents, tourists and visitors are arrested for violations of the Florida penal code. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you will no doubt contemplate how best to handle your particular case, for good reason. Florida has some of the most severe punishments in the country, depending on the charge. In Broward County, including the cities of Coral Springs, Broward, Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney criminal defense lawyers are available to help you with your case.

Understanding Criminal Defense

Criminal law is the area of law that encompasses all violations of the penal code, including fatal, personal, property and participatory offenses. Criminal defense attorneys are lawyers who primarily work toward defending those accused of crimes. Some criminal defense attorneys have focused efforts in specific areas of criminal law (e.g. manslaughter, vehicular homicide, juvenile offenses, etc.). Keep in mind that the government has attorneys who concentrate on prosecuting particular crimes. Not all attorneys are created equal, so choosing the right criminal defense attorney for your unique case is critical.

The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights guarantees all accused persons adequate representation by an attorney, whether the accused is assigned a public defender or hires a private attorney. Broward criminal defense attorney Ken Hassett have experience in all areas of criminal law. The government will assign one of their lawyers to prosecute the case, based on type of crime and their level of experience. Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Broward County to discuss the details of your particular case so that you can prepare your defense.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies

Although the judicial process is similar between misdemeanors and felonies, the consequences are very different. First-degree misdemeanors in Florida are punishable with sentences of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; second-degree misdemeanors carry lighter sentences (up to 60 days) and fines (up to $500). Felonies, on the other hand, can carry sentences ranging from five years all the way to life imprisonment or the death penalty, with steep fines attached. The government will assign a prosecutor who focuses on the particular type of case for which you are accused. That prosecutor will deal directly with your attorney, who will speak on your behalf. If you or a loved one are accused of a crime in Broward County, seek the advice of a lawyer who practices criminal law to discuss your unique situation. The attorney you choose will act on your behalf to defend your case and protect your rights. Please keep in mind that no attorney can guarantee a specific result.

Florida Criminal Defense Statistics (1)

• A violent crime occurs almost every four minutes
• A property crime occurs every 44 seconds
• A murder occurs two to three times per day
• A forcible rape occurs nearly every hour and a half
• A robbery occurs on average every seventeen minutes
• An aggravated assault occurs around every seven minutes

Help From a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney

Hassett & Associates, P.A. represents criminal defense clients in Broward County and its major cities and areas, including Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Pembroke Pines.

1. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Clock
http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/eaa445db-dc6c-43f1-9d32-1fb843ac0ddb/crime-clock-2009.aspx